Sunday promises a packed schedule of thoroughbred action, with live coverage from Brighton, Worcester and the French venue of Deauville on Sky Sports Racing. The centerpiece of the day will be the Group One Sumbe Prix Jean et Louis Romanet, where the highly‑rated filly Diamond Necklace will front a glittering field of top‑class rivals.
Diamond Necklace, the three‑year‑old trained by Aidan O'Brien, arrives at Deauville unbeaten in six starts, four of which have come at the highest level. After delivering a commanding performance in the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood last month, she steps back up against older horses and looks set to extend her winning streak to seven. Her blend of speed, stamina and a turn of foot has made her the clear favourite, and connections will be eager to see if she can maintain her dominance against seasoned competition. Joseph O'Brien’s filly Rebel Moon also merits serious consideration.
Guided by jockey Dylan Browne‑McMonagle, Rebel Moon impressed when she finished fourth in the Irish Oaks, suggesting she possesses the class to challenge for the prize. While she may not yet have the same record as Diamond Necklace, her recent form hints at untapped potential, and a strong run could signal a breakthrough performance. Aventure, the 2023 Prix Vermeille champion, will be the primary threat for Christophe Ferland’s stable.
Although she appeared off‑colour in her recent outing behind Calandagan at Saint‑Cloud, her Group Two victory in May demonstrated her ability to handle top‑level company. If she can rediscover that earlier form, she could pose a genuine challenge to the O'Brien fillies.
Among the remaining contenders, Red Letter is regarded as the most promising. The filly has shown consistency in recent starts and could provide a solid placing if the leading three fail to stay the distance.
The Sumbe Prix Morny, another highlight of the Deauville card, will feature a fresh batch of juvenile talent, including Orthodox and Man’s Best Friend. Aidan O'Brien has entered three runners, with Man’s Best Friend being the standout pick for Ryan Moore.
The colt, who finished fourth on his debut, then claimed a maiden at Naas before securing a decisive victory in the Group Two Richmond Stakes at Goodwood. That progression suggests he is still improving and could be a dark horse in the sprint. Great Barrier Reef, a promising youngster who captured the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, suffered a setback in his most recent run.
Market watchers will be monitoring his recovery closely, as a return to form could make him a formidable sprinter. Orthodox, the Norfolk Stakes winner, is a compelling prospect for trainer Clive Cox. The colt displayed a blistering turn of foot over five furlongs, and the step up to six furlongs in the Morny should suit his cruising speed. His ability to dominate a short trip bodes well for his chances against a competitive field.
Senorita Bonita, fresh from an impressive win over Libertango at Newmarket, adds another layer of intrigue. With a recent victory at York, she has proven she can handle different tracks and conditions, making her a horse to watch in the sprint division. The Brighton Summer Series Final will deliver a fiercely contested Blackmore Equestrian Construction Handicap at 3.50 pm. Arnaz, representing Mark Loughnane and ridden by his son Billy, arrives in good form after two wins at Chepstow and should remain a factor as the race heats up.
Several other horses, including recent winners Diomed Spirit and Big Time Rascal, also possess solid each‑way prospects. Prefer The Sister, carrying top weight, commands respect after leading the field in each of her last five starts. Her consistency and ability to dictate the pace make her a formidable opponent in the Brighton contest.
Additional highlights on the card include the Group Two Prix du Calvados at Deauville, where Dee’s Funny Girl, trained by Donnacha O’Brien, will take to the track at 12.58. The Group Two Prix Kergorlay, also at Deauville, features Santorini Star, a popular choice for Joseph O’Brien’s stable, slated for a 1.33 start. Back in England, the Class Four race at Brighton sees Sea Suite heading the field at 4.20, offering a solid opportunity for emerging talent. For racing enthusiasts, Sky Sports Racing provides comprehensive coverage, including the latest news, expert interviews and in‑depth features accessible via mobile devices.
Stay up to date with all the developments, form guides and betting insights as the day unfolds across three premier racing venues, and enjoy the drama of high‑stakes competition from the comfort of your home.